The Eagles remain in contention for one last piece of silverware this season, but it will be all or nothing on the island of Cyprus as the winner of the fixture will progress to the quarter finals of the Conference League.
Unfortunately, Palace have nothing to protect in the second leg but it is all square with a goal yet to be scored, while the conditions are expected to be significantly different to those at Selhurst last week.
With plenty of Palace fans making the midweek journey, one player that will not be travelling is goalkeeper and captain Dean Henderson who missed the draw with Leeds United at Selhurst Park due to illness.
In better news, the hugely important Daniel Munoz will be fit to return to the starting line up. There are no other injury concerns for Oliver Glasner heading into the hugely important fixture.
The Eagles have eight Premier League games remaining with another mid-table finish beckoning, so the season needs to be kept very much alive with victory in the popular holiday destination and ensure the Eagles grab that prize for victory which is a place in the quarter finals of the competition.
Palace have only lost once in the last seven games in all competitions, and should really have made the most of their man advantage against Leeds on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Larnaca have only won two of their last six games (drawing two, losing two) ahead of the Eagles paying them a visit. They do boast the best defensive record in the Conference League this season having only conceded one goal so far, which will be a challenge for Palace if they are to progress.
🕒 Match Details
- Date: Thursday, 19 March 2026
- Kick-off: 17:45 GMT
- Venue: AEK Arena – Georgios Karapatakis, Larnaca
- Competition: UEFA Europa Conference League, Round of 16 (Second Leg)
The tie is finely balanced after a 0–0 draw in the first leg at Selhurst Park.
🔎 Form & Context
AEK Larnaca
- Strong home form: only 1 loss in last 12 home games.
- One of the Conference League’s meanest defences, conceding only one goal in seven matches.
- Unbeaten in the competition this season (3 wins, 4 draws).
Crystal Palace
- Struggling for goals: failed to score in recent matches, including 0–0 vs Leeds and the first leg vs AEK.
- Dominated the first leg (13–2 shots) but lacked finishing edge.
- Away form in Europe: 2 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss this season.
🚑 Team News
AEK Larnaca – Key Absences
- Waldo Rubio (muscle injury)
- Valentin Roberge (finger injury)
- Giorgos Naoum (muscle strain)
Crystal Palace – Key Absences
- Eddie Nketiah (injury)
- Dean Henderson (illness)
- Cheick Doucouré (unfit)
📋 Recent Meeting
First Leg: Crystal Palace 0–0 AEK Larnaca
- Palace created big chances but were wasteful.
- AEK nearly snatched a late winner through Enzo Cabrera.
Officials
- Referee: Igor Pajac (CRO)
- Assistants: Bojan Zobenica, Ivan Mihalj (CRO)
- Fourth official: Dario Bel (CRO)
- VAR: Ivan Bebek (CRO)
- Assistant VAR: Fran Jovic (CRO)
🔮 Match Outlook / Predictions
Analysts expect a tight, defensive match:
- AEK’s organised defence could frustrate Palace again.
- Best betting tip from Racing Post: Under 2.5 goals.
AEK Larnaca have the historical edge in head‑to‑head:
- 1 win, 1 draw, 0 Palace wins.
📺 How to Watch
- UK: TNT Sports
- US: Paramount+
- Other regions: beIN Sports (MENA, Malaysia), Stan Sport (Australia), and more.
